September 17, 1999 The Book Sense 76 for October Booksellers from over 1,000 independent bookstores have cast their votes for the best new books of October, plus recent favorites, and some older rediscoveries. The list that follows --The Book Sense 76 for October-- is a unique and provocative selection of quality fiction, history, poetry, mysteries, children's books, and much more, all from a great diversity of voices. All personally recommended to you, with passion and integrity, by the independent booksellers of America. African-American Interest See also Children's Books; also look for the new Walter Mosley novel in Fiction. 1. THE GOOD BLACK: A True Story of Race in America, by Paul Barrett (Dutton, $23.95, 0525943447) "This book provides great insight into the more subtle and contemporary examples of prejudice today, especially in corporate America. Even in these times, it is hard to believe this is still going on -- in this instance, the account of an African-American Harvard grad enduring insulting treatment in a D.C. law firm." - Clara Villarosa, Hue-Man Experience, Denver CO 2. KINDRED, by Octavia Butler (Beacon, $13 paperback, 0807083054) "A good writer should snare their reader in the first paragraph, and Ms. Butler does it with her first sentence: 'I lost an arm on my last trip home. My left arm.' How anyone could endure the institution of slavery is examined as a 20th century African-American woman 'visits' her distant relative. This book is tops on my lists for reading groups." � Sally Brewster, Little Professor Bookstore, Charlotte NC 3. RIVER, CROSS MY HEART, by Breena Clarke (Little, Brown, $23, 0316144231) "The Bynams accepted the brutal realities of segregation in Washington DC in the 1920's, but when Johnny Mae's little sister drowns in the Potomac, she questions why she can't use the new swimming pool in her neighborhood. This is a lyrical first novel that puts us in touch with our sad history in the not too distant past." � Carla Cohen, Politics and Prose, Washington DC Children's Books See also the Young Adult section 4. BUD, NOT BUDDY, by Christopher Paul Curtis (Delacorte, $15.95, 0385323069) For ages 8-12. "In Bud, an orphaned 10-year old black boy trying to survive in the Depression, Curtis has written the most endearing character I've read in a long time. Written with grace and gentleness, this is a sure bet to be a contender for a Newberry Medal." � Nicky Salan, Cover to Cover Booksellers, San Francisco CA 5. REGARDING THE FOUNTAIN, by Kate Klise (Avon, $4.50 paperback, 0380793474) Ages 8-12. "A leaky fountain, an eccentric fountain-designer, and a 5th grade class combine to solve a mystery and expose some shady dealings. Told in letters and memos, this book is funny, witty, and an absolute delight."� Carol Moyer, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh NC 6. THE GIFT, by Gabriela Keselman; illus. by Pep Montserrat (Kane/Miller Books, $15.95, 091629191X) This publisher's mission statement is to find wonderful children's books from around the world and to bring them to an American audience. This touching and delightful book comes from Spain, but the message is universal � a child's wishes and parental love. For all ages; don't miss it. � Book Sense staff 7. THE IRON GIANT, by Ted Hughes (Random House, $4.99 paperback, 0375801537) Ages 6-10. "Reissued in a 30th anniversary edition, this story brings together humor, adventure and drama in a book that is accessible to children as a read aloud or early chapter book."� Jeanie Stoddard, Politics and Prose, Washington DC. (Yes, the British poet Hughes wrote this anti-gun and anti-war tale back in 1968, and it has now just been made into a 'children's' movie, but all ages will love it. This is an important lesson told in a fun and effective way.- Book Sense staff) Also available in hardcover. 8. THE MOUSE OF AMHERST, by Elizabeth Spires; illus. by Claire Nivola (Frances Foster Books, $15, 0374350833) "Emily Dickinson leaves bits of poetry around her house�.and a mouse living in the wainscoting writes poetry back. A charming tale for ages 8-80!" - Wyatt and Nancy Young, Drummer Boy Books, Ligonier, PA 9. QUILTMAKERS' GIFT, by Jeff Brumbeau; illus. by Gail de Marcken (Pfeifer-Hamilton, $17.95, 1570251991) � For ages 4-8; an old quiltmaker teaches a rich king about the meaning of real wealth. "The BEST children's book I have read in a long time!" � Linda Johnson, Books at Stonehenge, Raleigh NC 10. SLEEPY BEARS, by Mem Fox; illus. by Kerry Argent (Harcourt, $16, 0152020160) For ages 3-7. "A great new bedtime read, and the pictures are delightful." - Jane Stroh, The Bookstore, Glen Ellyn IL 11. THE STORY OF COLORS/LA HISTORIA DE LOS COLORIAS: A Bilingual Folktale, by Subcomandante Marcos (Cinco Puntos Press, $15.95, 0938317458) For ages 9-12. "A story grounded in the folklore of the Chiapas of Mexico, and a universal celebration of diversity. In words and pictures, a wise narrator tells us how colors came to be. This book was a cause celebre when the NEA pulled its original grant, but the Lannan Foundation stepped in to bring us this testimonial to the struggle against assimilation." � Mary Brice, Tattered Cover, Denver CO 12. TOOT AND PUDDLE: You Are My Sunshine, by Holly Hobbie (Little, Brown, $14.95, 0316365629) For ages 4-8. "Those two endearing pigs are back with the story of Toot feeling blue and Puddle trying to cheer him up. Issues such as companionship, respect, patience, moods, and plain fun, are touched upon in the simplest and most powerful details that just 'feel right'. And Hobbie's utterly delightful illustrations, so evocative, are truly what wins your heart." � Marie du Vaure, Small World Books, Venice CA Feminist Interest See also Fiction and Memoir 13. BOOMER GIRLS: Poems by Women from the Baby Boom Generation, edited by Pamela Gemin & Paula Sergi (Univ. of Iowa Press, $15.95 paperback, 0877456879, due out in Oct.) "A great anthology of coming-of-age poems written by women born between 1945 and 1964; both famous and lesser-known poets are included." - Diana Gilbert Cohen, Books & Company, Oconomowoc, WI 14. BUST GUIDE TO THE NEW GIRL ORDER, by Deborah Stoller and Marcelle Karp (Penguin, $15.95 paperback, 0140277749) "Since its first stapled edition, Bust magazine has featured fresh and relevant writings for women ranging from feminist histories to stories about bad dates. This new book is an anthology containing the best essays from the magazine. Wired says Bust 'combines the literacy of traditional writing with the personal prose of zines.' For all Grrls, no matter what your age." � Suzanne Degaetano, Mac's Backs Paperbacks, Cleveland Heights OH 15. THE END OF THE CLASS WAR, by Catherine Brady (Calyx Books, $13.95 paperback, 0934971668) "Brady writes of the poignant lives of working-class Irish women. Through her lyrical style, this collection of short stories reveals the strengths, passions, wisdom, and humor of women who never lose their faith or pride despite the daily challenges life brings." �Tova Stabin, Mother Kali's, Eugene, OR 16. THE SECRET NAMES OF WOMEN, by Lynne Barrett (Carnegie Mellon University Press, $15.95 paperback original, 0887482872) "This is a rich collection of stories. Barrett's women (and men) are all over the map, literally and figuratively, with very different age, class, and setting, from Florida to Hawaii, from disgruntled Elvis impersonators to abandoned grandmothers. But all have in common their fully realized humanity and truly poignant secrets, crafted with precision and insight by a writer to watch." � Carla Jimenez, Inkwood Books, Tampa FL Fiction 17. AFTER THE WAR, by Richard Marius (Rutledge Hill Press, $16.95 paperback, 1558532730) One of our 'backlist' rediscoveries this month. "A positively brilliant story you will never forget. This is an enormous tale of American life after WW1. Everyone who loves great literature should read this." � Rachel Carmer, Beaucoup Books, New Orleans LA 18. THE ANSWER IS YES, by Sara Lewis (Harvest, $13 paperback, 0156005646, out in Oct.) "We sold many, many copies of this in hardcover, and now in trade paper, this will be our 'staff book of the month.' This is a wonderful tale of a young woman coping with obstacles in her life. Great characters; upbeat read!" � Sue and Leslie Kleiser, Montgomery Book Company, Cincinnati OH 19. THE BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 1999 (Houghton Mifflin, $13 paperback, 039592684X, due out in Oct.) A perennial favorite, this time edited by Amy Tan. � Book Sense staff 20. BIRDS OF AMERICA, by Lorrie Moore (Picador, $14 paperback, 0312241224) "Moore is one of our most insightful, witty, and unforgettable short story writers, and this book is must reading." � John Evans, DIESEL: A Bookstore, Oakland CA 21. CRUDDY, by Lynda Barry (Simon & Schuster, $23, 0684829746) "I'm nuts about the new Lynda Barry novel, Cruddy, which is anything but. It's hilarious, disturbing, beautifully illustrated, wry, and yet a page-turner." - Pete Mulvihill, Green Apple Books & Music, San Francisco CA 22. DAMASCUS GATE, by Robert Stone (Scribner, $14 paperback, 0684859114) "This is, perhaps, the greatest novel written about Israel. It is filled with fanatics of all religions, an extremely complex plot with lots of thrills, and magnificent writing and characters. It is a rich and unforgettable masterpiece." � Andy Ross, Cody's, Berkeley CA 23. DAUGHTER OF FORTUNE, by Isabel Allende (Harper, $26, 006019491X, due out in October) "How wonderful it is to be swept back in time by Ms. Allende. Once again, her magic is strong as she takes us back to the 1840's to experience the gold rush in California through her wonderful characters. Something for everyone here--romance, intrigue, adventure, and of course, her beautiful writing skills." � Sally Brewster, Little Professor, Charlotte NC Also an audiobook. 24. THE ESSENCE OF THE THING, by Madeleine St. John (Carroll & Graf, $11.95 paperback, 0786706791) "Shortlisted for the Booker Prize, this is a fast-paced, very British look at love lost and life found; at revenge hard-won but sweet nonetheless. The dialogue is very sharply drawn -- witty, sardonic, marvelous. The characters are perfectly imperfect." � Bob Gray, The Northshire Bookshop, Manchester Center VT 25. EUCALYPTUS, by Murray Bail (Harvest, $13 paperback, 0156007819) "This was one of my favorite finds last year in hardcover, now out in paperback. Set in Australia, this novel has the atmosphere of a fairy tale but is grounded in nature. Bail is one of the most interesting writers around, combining comedy with dreamlike fantasy." - Anita Perala, Hungry Mind Bookstore, St. Paul MN 26. EVENING, by Susan Minot (Vintage, $12 paperback, 0375700269) On her deathbed, a woman reflects on the love of her life, forty years past. "Just an incredible piece of writing: lyrical, passionate, wise and powerful. A great book for reading groups." � Tom Campbell, The Regulator Bookshop, Durham NC Also an audiobook. 27. FLANDER'S PANEL, by Arturo Perez-Reverte (Bantam, $12.95, 0553377868) "This international sensation is a novel for people who enjoyed The Name of the Rose and The Eight. The clues to a series of murders are imbedded in a chess game which is a part of a 15th century art masterpiece. It is a thoroughly satisfying and entertaining intellectual mystery with deep insight into chess and art history." � Andy Ross, Cody's, Berkeley, CA 28. GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE, by Susan Vreeland (MacMurray & Beck, $17.50, 1878448900) "As an undiscovered Vermeer painting changes hands through time, this novel allows the reader intimate glimpses into the often desperate lives of each owner. Vreeland's words are painterly in telling so many varied and touching stories, one gorgeous chapter at a time." � Michele Caprario, Books Inc., San Francisco CA 29. GIRLS, by Helen Yglesias (Delphinium Press, $19,188328516X) "This story of 4 sisters -- 80, 85, 90 and 95 years old -- introduces us to four women who are at times funny, juvenile, lusty, strong, and smart but ultimately vulnerable to what we will all face - aging. Ms. Yglesias, in her first novel in 12 years, tells this story with an eye that is knowing and insightful about family relationships and the humor that helps us have courage. I intend to recommend this book to everyone I know." � Roxanne Coady, R.J. Julia's Booksellers, Madison CT 30. HANNA'S DAUGHTERS, by Marianne Fredriksson (Ballantine, $12.95 paperback, 0345433491) "This runaway bestseller from Sweden is a must read. The author writes about three generations of women, and you'll be intrigued by all of them. I loved this book." � Arlene Morse, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville KY 31. THE HONEY THIEF, by Elizabeth Graver (Hyperion, $22.95, 0786862823) "A coming of age story, moving from the noise of New York City to the inner turmoil of rural New York. We grow close to the troubled teenage girl and want her to gain some insights and equilibrium, although the two adults in her life, her mother and the beekeeper, have their own struggles. The ending is subtle and only partly resolved, but hopeful. This story stays with you." - Alicia Greene, Olsson's Books & Records-Georgetown, Washington DC 32. KAATERSKILL FALLS, by Allegra Goodman (Delta, $12.95 paperback, 0385323905) "At the center of this resonant novel exploring the lives of Orthodox Jews in upstate New York, is the universal search for meaning in marriage and religion. A quietly and beautifully observed book." � Andrea Sandke, Kepler's, Menlo Park CA 33. THE MARK OF THE ANGEL, by Nancy Huston (Steerforth, $21, 1883642647) "This intense love story, set in Paris in the late 50's, vividly evokes the culture and politics of the time. It is a page turner with substance." � Bobby Tichenor, Annie Bloom's, Portland OR 34. MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN, by Jonathan Lethem (Doubleday, $23.95, 0385491832) The top votegetter in the October batch. Just one of the many letters from booksellers: "Lionel Essrog is an unlikely P.I., the more so considering that he has Tourette Syndrome. The plot is old-school (Chandler) detective, but a Tourettes narrator is a daring and ingenious device. This wonderful new novel fulfills the promise of Lethem's early hip, smart, and genre-bending work." � Christopher Hubbuch, The Hungry Mind Bookstore, St. Paul MN 35. PLAINSONG, by Kent Haruf (Knopf, $25, 0375406182) The top votegetter for September, just published and very much in booksellers' hearts. "Simply amazing writing from top to bottom. Great characters, impeccable pacing, and description of place. PLAINSONG puts wind in your ear and keeps luring you in for more." � Keith Arsenault, Brown University Bookstore, Providence RI Also an audiobook. 36. PLEASING HOUR, by Lily King (Atlantic, $24, 0871137542) A young American woman learns some of life's lessons in France. "Lily King delivers a debut novel of great depth. Hopeful, heartbreaking and beautifully written." � Chris Marsh, Canterbury Booksellers, Madison WI 37. POISONWOOD BIBLE, by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper Perennial, $14 paperback, 0060930535) "This is Kingsolver's richest, most complex and most deeply affecting novel yet. It offers the reader so much on so many levels." � Amy McCurdy, DIESEL: A Bookstore, Oakland CA (Also available as an audiobook and in a large print edition.) 38. REMEMBER ME, by Laurie Hendrie (Holt, $24, 0805062181) "Queduro isn't going the way of most northern New Mexico towns that are lost to poverty--not as long as the towns' embroiderers have fingers to stitch with. And feisty, scarred Rose Devonic may be down for the count but definitely not out as she learns how to define home. This novel has heart and quirky, believable characters." - Helen Sinoradzki, Annie Bloom's Books, Portland,OR 39. RULES OF THE WILD, by Francesca Marciano (Vintage, $12, 0375703438) "One of our favorite books of '98, now out in paperback. A little Melrose Place meets Isak Dinesen and in the end, a terrific novel set in Africa. Our leading current reading group recommendation." � Carole Carden, Esmeralda Books, Del Mar CA 40. A STAR CALLED HENRY, by Roddy Doyle (Viking, $24.95, 0670887579) "The first of Doyle's new trilogy, this is a stunning portrayal of Ireland from the turn of the century through the civil wars. It is easily the best novel I have read all year." � Angela Biaz, Nicola's Books, Ann Arbor MI Also an audiobook. 41. VOYAGE OF THE NARWHAL, by Andrea Barrett (Norton, $14 paperback, 0393319504) "A blend of a dramatic 19th Century voyage of discovery with a late 20th Century focus on the interior lives and motives of the characters." � Jude Hsiang, Kepler's, Menlo Park, CA Also an audiobook 42. WALKIN' THE DOG, by Walter Mosley (Little, Brown, $24.95, 0316966207, due out in Oct.) "Walter Mosley is an American classic. He's an engaging writer with a strong social conscience that shines through in his work. This sequel to Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned has Socrates Forlow struggling to do the right thing in life. Socrates has made mistakes in his life and wound up in prison but he's trying to overcome his tendency to violence and stay on the straight and narrow. He's a character to really root for." - Leslie Graham, A Clean Well-Lighted Place, San Francisco CA Also an audiobook. 43. THE WEDDING JESTER, by Steve Stern (Graywolf, $14 paperback, 155597290X) "Stern's usual blend of Jewish jokes and magical realism, with Rube Goldberg plots and enough humor to keep the most jaded reader chuckling. Steve Stern is one of a kind and his books too often unappreciated." � Corey Mesler, Burke's Book Store, Memphis, TN 44. THE WHEREABOUTS OF ENEAS McNULTY, by Sebastian Barry (Penguin, $12.95 paperback, 0140280189) The setting is post-WW1 Ireland, and a young Irishman is forced into exile, pursued by an IRA assassin, who happens to be a boyhood friend. "Barry is a magnificent storyteller, and this compelling narrative illuminates Ireland's complex history in a most personal and poignant way." � Book Passage, Corte Madera CA Also an audiobook. Gift Books Well, ALL books make great gifts, but these are extra special. Both are due out sometime in early October; come in and see these books for yourself and add them to your shopping list for the holidays. (And also ask about the beautiful new edition of the Bible, illustrated by Barry Moser, also due out in October.) 45. CENTURY: One Hundred Years of Human Progress, Regression, Suffering, and Hope (Phaidon Press, $49.95, 0714838489) This is one of the top vote-getters from the booksellers, who have been sorting through the fall new book lists looking for just such a unique, balanced, and different retrospective. "With so many 'books of the century' to choose from, this one is definitely the highest quality, least sentimental of the lot. It's a huge book of photographs that's quite stupendous." � Kris Kleindeist, Left Bank Books, St. Louis MO 46. ETHEL AND ERNEST, by Raymond Briggs (Knopf, $21, 0375407588) "British illustrator Briggs is famous for his children's classics like The Snowman and Fungus the Bogeyman. In this incredibly moving and original new book, he uses his cartoon-style of storytelling to recount his parents' lives in England, from their first meeting in 1928, through early romance, the trials of the war years and growing old together. Poignant, funny; a new classic." � Tom Campbell, Regulator Bookshop, Durham NC History and Current Events 47. THE BIG TEST: The Secret History of American Meritocracy, by Nicholas Lemann (Farrar, $27, 0374299846) "Lemann has an unusual capacity to engage his readers in social history. In his new book, Lemann describes the attempt by colleges and universities to encourage social mobility by adopting educational testing as the most important admissions requirement. The unintended consequence is a new elite based on how much access the student has to good schools and test preparation. Lemann sadly portrays new meritocracy, even more determined to defend its privilege than the old Wasp establishment was in previous generations. Congratulations to Lemann for this daring critique!" � Carla Cohen, Politics and Prose, Washington DC 48. MEDITERRANEAN: A Cultural Landscape, by Predrag Matvejevic (U. of California Press, $29.95, 0520207386) "This unique and beautiful book is perfect for both history buffs and travellers. Matvejevic gives incredible, often quirky, insights into the common culture of the Mediterranean countries over the ages. This book comes to the U.S. on the heels of solid sales all over Europe." - Wander Lorentz de Haas, Regulator Bookshop, Durham, NC 49. THE RIVER: A Journey to The Source of HIV and AIDS, by Edward Hooper (Little Brown, $35, 0316372617) "Hooper's work is the product of a decade's long investigation of the source of the AIDS virus. The River is a meticulously researched, personal quest to answer the biological mystery of our time. His investigation travels to the centers of AIDS research, follows divergent theories, and reports his discourse with the leading scientists of our time. The reader is led to his startling series of conclusions; that the medical world, with the best of intentions, may have themselves unleashed AIDS into the human population. Sure to be controversial, The River may also be the best hypothesis put forward as an explanation for the rise of this modern plague." � Karen Pennington, Kepler's, Menlo Park CA 50. RIVER HORSE: A Voyage Across America, by William Least Heat- Moon (Houghton Mifflin, $26, 0395636264, due out in Oct.) "Using this country's waterways, the author travels from the New York Harbor to Astoria, Oregon in his little C-dory, Nikawa ("river horse" in Osage). As good as his previous book Blue Highways is, I think this one is even better." � Diane Gilbert Cohen, Books & Company, Oconomowoc WI 51. WE WISH TO INFORM YOU THAT TOMORROW WE WILL BE KILLED WITH OUR FAMILIES, by Philip Gourevitch (Picador, $15 paperback, 0312243359) "This examination of the state-sponsored genocide, in which the Hutu majority slaughtered 800,000 of the Tutsi minority, is as vivid and gut-wrenching a book as I've read in some years. In the voices of witnesses, the author captures the agony of a country coming to grips with such atrocity , giving us a rare understanding of the historical background and the horror of this war." � Carole Horne, Harvard Bookstore, Cambridge MA Memoir 52. BOOKSTORE: The Life and Times of Jeannette Watson & Books & Co., by Lynne Tillman (Harcourt, $25, 0151004250) "While a story about the life of one influential NYC independent bookstore, there is much here about literature, culture and the direction we're going that is relevant and valuable to all." � Mitchell Kaplan, Books & Books, Coral Gables FL 53. CATFISH AND MANDALA, by Andrew Pham (Farrar, $25, 0374119740) "The author's childhood memories of Vietnam, his family's escape, his search for identity as an immigrant to the U.S., and a year long search for connection cycling through present-day Mexico, Japan and Vietnam -- all honestly told in language that richly details the physical and mental landscape --make this the best memoir I've read this year." - Michal Drannen, Powell's Books, Portland OR 54. DEAR EXILE, by Hilary Liftin and Kate Montgomery (Vintage, $11 paperback, 0375703675) � "This book is the collection of letters written by two college roommates the year after they graduate from college. One marries, enters the Peace Corps and goes to Africa with her husband; the other lives the corporate fast-track life of a young, single female in NYC. The letters are very witty and touching as they each play out their own very different destinies while staying close." -Connie Eckels, Dartmouth Bookstore, Hanover, NH 55. NORTH TO THE NIGHT: A Spiritual Odyssey in the Arctic, by Alvah Simon (Broadway, $13, 076790446X) "Simon's account of his winter trapped beneath the snows of the North Pole boggles the mind as it lifts the spirit. Join this latter-day Shackleton as he combats blizzards, polar bears, and the long Arctic night." � Rachel Carmer & Mary Price Robinson, Beaucoup Books, New Orleans LA 56. OF TIME AND MEMORY: A Mother's Story, by Don Snyder (Knopf, $25, 0375404082) "Snyder tells the haunting story of his young mother, who died shortly after giving birth to the author and his twin. Snyder fulfills the promise of his compelling memoir, Cliff Walk, with more unflinching honesty and breathtaking prose, in a cautionary tale of the haunting heartbreak caused by even well-intentioned family secrets." � Carla Jimenez, Inkwood Books, Tampa FL 57. OUTSIDE PASSAGE: A Memoir of An Alaskan Childhood, by Julia Scully (Modern Library, $12.95 paperback, 0375752404). "It may be because books set in Alaska capture the imagination of readers living in Mississippi, but it's probably more because Julia Scully's memoir is so vivid, fresh and compelling that we continue to sell this book so well. This is the kind of book that causes you to run home to read on your lunch break, and be late back to work." � Richard Howorth, Square Books, Oxford MS October Book Sense 76 Continues Topics: News - Books, Book Sense,